Kathleen Longshore
Biography
Dr. Kathy Longshore is a wildlife biologist whose research interests are in animal ecology with emphasis in the application of behavioral ecology to wildlife management and conservation in arid ecosystems. Behavioral indicators can provide an early warning to population declines or habitat degradation before numerical or ecosystem-level responses are evident. As such, they can be used to monitor the effectiveness of management programs. Dr. Longshore's work encompasses both basic and applied aspects of animal behavior with a specific focus on direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts on animal behavior that may in turn, may impact biodiversity.
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Biology. 2004
- M.S. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Biology. 1982
- B.S. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Zoology. 1978
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Behavioral Ecology
- Habitat Modeling
- Effects of Anthropogenic Disturbance
- Telemetry (radio and/or satellite)
- Wildlife Biology
- Conservation Biology
Science and Products
Ecology and Conservation of Desert Bighorn Sheep
Dr. Kathleen Longshore’s goal is to understand how predator/prey relationships, disease and human-caused disturbance work separately and synergistically to impact bighorn sheep populations under variable ecological stress. Information from this project will provide managers with an understanding of specific and regional impacting factors that contribute to impact variation in population trends...
Ecology and Conservation of Golden Eagles in the Mojave Desert
Dr. Kathleen Longshore, in collaboration with Dr. Todd Esque, provides information to project the possible conflict between losses of habitat for foraging involved in the proposed development of alternative energy installations in the Mojave Desert and help develop advanced conservation efforts for the golden eagle. Information from this project will also inform California’s Desert Renewable...
Henderson Field Station
The Henderson Field Station supports research scientists leading projects in desert ecosystem restoration, genetics of iconic trees of the Mojave Desert, predator-prey studies on protected lands, and more. Select the next tab for a comprehensive summary of studies at this site.
Golden Eagle food habits in the Mojave Desert: Regional information for a changing landscape
Expansion of renewable energy development is rapidly transforming the Mojave Desert landscape and has the potential to impact Golden Eagles through loss of foraging habitat and reduced prey base. Regional information on Golden Eagle food habits is limited and little is known of how dietary variability influences eagle productivity. We examined diet using motion activated trail cameras and...
Wildlife on the Nevada National Security Site
Mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, and a variety of other wildlife live on and pass through the Nevada National Security Site each day. It’s a highly restricted area that is free of hunting and has surprisingly pristine areas.This 22-minute program highlights an extraordinary study on how mountain lions interact with their prey. It shows how the scientists
Mojave Golden Eagles
This short video features incredible and graphic images and video of golden eagle prey. These birds are eating machines. USGS biologist-rock climbers install nest cameras to study the eating habits of golden eagles and their young in the Mojave Desert. This work goes towards creating a Prey Availability Habitat Model to better site green energy projects so that they will
Research Spotlight: Fear of Predation May Prevent Mule Deer from Taking Advantage of Forage Resources in Mojave Sky-Islands
A recent publication from the USGS Western Ecological Research Center reports findings from a study of mule deer and cougars in the Mojave Desert. The results indicate that fear of predation by cougars may restrict mule deer access to food even in areas of relatively greater resources.